Library's health programs bloom in March

People often have to pay fees to attend health seminars, schedule screenings, or obtain a doctor's advice, but upcoming health programs at the Schaumburg Township District Library will provide all these and more for free.

We kick off the month with a Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Screening which will be held at two times and locations. The first will take place from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, March 4, at the Hanover Park Branch Library, 1266 Irving Park Road, Hanover Park. The second session will be from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the Central Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. During both sessions, registered nurses from Alexian Brothers Hospital Network will conduct free screenings and educate attendees on how to make healthy improvements to reduce negative results. To register, call AlexianConnects at (866) 253-9426. Registration is required.

If you are suffering from colorectal cancer or know someone with this affliction, you won't want to miss "Do My Doctors Talk to Each Other?" from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, in the Rasmussen South Room. Management of this disease works best when ample communication exists between the doctors. By sharing information, doctors can properly diagnose, stage and treat patients, who can play a key role in facilitating this type of communication. Dr. Ramji R. Rajendran, MD, Ph.D. and radiation oncologist at Alexian Brothers Cancer Institute will examine the role of communication between surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Registration is required. Register by calling (847) 923-3347.

Whole grains have been "linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems," according to the Mayo Clinic and countless other health organizations and professionals. If you would like to learn how to prepare delicious, nutritious foods using whole grains, come to "Whole Grains 101" from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, in the Rasmussen South Room of the Central Library in Schaumburg. Presenter Kim Nordin, owner of whEAT REAL, will demonstrate making bread from fresh ground flour and discuss how to incorporate grains such as spelt, millet, quinoa and others into your cooking and baking. Recipes and tasty samples provided. Register by calling (847) 923-3347.

For those who are among the estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, the library offers "Boning Up on Osteoporosis" from 7-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, in the Rasmussen South Room. Physical Therapist Christine Powills of Alexian Brothers Health Network will explain the causes, symptoms and treatment of osteoporosis, plus provide steps for prevention. Registration is required. Register by calling (847) 923-33347.

Women over the age of 35 who are concerned they may be at risk for osteoporosis can participate in a free screening from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at the Hoffman Estates Branch Library, 1550 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. This bone density ultrasound screening will be conducted by Alexian Brothers registered nurses. Registration is required. To register for an appointment, call AlexianConnects at (866) 253-9426.

These are just a few of the many programs offered in March at the Schaumburg Township District Library. For a full listing of programs for adults, teens and kids, as well as computer classes, see the February-March Program Guide which was mailed to Schaumburg Township residents, or look online at www.schaumburglibrary.org.